During difficult times, it is even more important to look for signals of hope that may help encourage and teach so that we can move forward to better days. Two recent pieces appearing in The NonProfit Times provide such inspiration for charities seeking to strengthen their engagements with donors.

In one article the NonProfit Times reports that data compiled by LinkedIn shows that “…its members in the United States added more than 110,000 volunteer activities to their profiles each month, more than twice the rate in 2017.” There are probably a number of potential influences on this growing volunteer figure including, but not limited to, those seeking to assist charities addressing increased needs caused by the pandemic, the growing interest in civil rights organizations, and that many households are unable to donate as much cash as they would like due to economic uncertainties and hardships.

In another piece, the NonProfit Times cited a study completed by the 2020 M+R Benchmarks Report that indicates “text messaging volume increased by 14% overall" which was more than the growth seen in social media or email. These online communications will probably experience even more growth in 2020 as charities seek to inform their contributors about how they are coping with fundraising shortfalls and, in many cases, increased need for their services.

These stories spark hope because they confirm the public’s ongoing desire to support charities, even when money is tight. Engagement through volunteering and text messaging can strengthen the relationship between a charity and its donors, and may ultimately lead to contributions after the crisis. With only four months remaining in the calendar year, charities need all the help they can get, so it is encouraging to know outreach options are available.

Video of the Week

As part of the Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Christopher Banks, President & CEO, Autism Society (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks  to advance the dignity, self-sufficiency, independence and quality of life of all living with autism. The organization works to accomplish this through advocacy, education, a national call center, support groups, training, resource updates, national, local and state leadership, neighbor helping neighbor efforts, lifespan support, adult transition, early diagnosis, and early education therapy.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Earthworks
• KaBOOM!
• Mental Health America

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance